Are FILEX and the Fitness Expo the same thing?

If you work in the fitness industry you’ve probably heard of FILEX. And you’ve probably also heard about the Fitness & Health Expo. Some people have mentioned cool training gear they bought at FILEX, while others have said the same about the Fitness Expo. So are they the same thing?

In a word, no. But they are held alongside each other, because those who attend one of the events will probably have a strong interest in attending the other one as well.

So, what is the difference between them?

FILEX is a 3-day convention of educational lectures and workshops for people who work in the fitness industry. It is owned and operated by Australian Fitness Network, and runs in the Convention Centre in Melbourne. It is predominantly of interest to those who work in all facets of the fitness industry, from Personal Trainers, Group Exercise instructors and nutritionists, to gym owners, salespeople and physiotherapists.

The Fitness & Health Expo is what is sometimes called a trade show – where you can buy fitness equipment, clothing, music, courses and numerous other fitness-related goodies. It is owned and operated by Talk2 Media & Events and is held in the Exhibition Centre in Melbourne. It is of interest to those who work in fitness and those who are interested in doing so, as well as those who are into fitness for their own sake, but not for a career.

The events run side-by-side because there’s a lot of crossover interest – i.e. those attending FILEX are interested in checking out the latest fitness equipment and stocking up on training tools, clothing, music and more.

So why do so many people get confused and think that the Expo is called FILEX?

It’s an easy mistake to make:  many years ago the two events were delivered under the same brand. They’ve long since been independently owned and operated, but good branding sticks, so it’s not surprising that in some people’s minds we are one and the same.

To throw another spanner in the works, some people also get the LES MILLS LIVE event mixed up with FILEX. This is for the same reason; the LES MILLS LIVE instructor upskilling event is held in the Convention Centre concurrently with FILEX, because many of the mad-keen fitness types who are Les Mills Instructors want to attend FILEX sessions as well as LES MILLS LIVE. And when you’ve travelled halfway across this wide brown land to reach fitness nirvana, you want to pack as much in as you possibly can!

Do we mind getting mixed up? Not really – we have a great relationship with the Expo team and the Les Mills team! But for the sake of anyone planning on attending any of the events, we think it helps to make the distinction clear.

So, now you know.

We look forward to seeing you at FILEX. Or Expo. Or LES MILLS LIVE. Or – even better – all of ‘em!
Source: Jason | Andor From Australian Fitness

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Meet the Network team! Paul Bulatao, National VET Manager

Fitness education has been (and continues to be) a cornerstone in the development of the role of fitness professional. Entry level qualifications offer prospective trainers and instructors a sound footing on which to determine their own training philosophy and career direction, alongside a plethora of continuing education options. For more experienced fitness pros, an eagerness to share their knowledge and skills with the next generation of trainers leads many to consider moving into education.

We asked National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Manager of fitnessU, Paul Bulatao (a.k.a. Paulie B), for the low down on what it’s like to marry a love of fitness with the structure of VET.

‘VET Manager’ – that title sounds more like animal-oriented work than adult education. What does your job involve?
I look after the college’s operations from student enrolments and education support, designing and creating the content, adhering to government-set standards, leading the education and support team and managing the mentoring program (with 130+ Pro-Trainers who mentor our students), and I also look after the three qualifications that we offer.

How long have you been working in the fitness and Vocational Education and Training (VET) industries?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for 12 years and have also worked in VET for the past 8 years with colleges such as Open Colleges, ACPEA – Study Group, and FIA Fitnation – Endeavour Group.

How do you spend your weekends?
Each Saturday I teach my regular cycle class at Fitness First Kings Cross in Sydney, followed by brunch and then, a little later on, the most amazing, deep arvo nap. Do I sound really old? Lately I’ve been finding that doing absolutely nothing on the weekends has been such a treat!

Other than that, I love Olympic lifting, dining out, art and fashion, interior design, and I’m obsessed with collecting Swiss watches. I also have 3 ‘furbabies’ – a chocolate Labrador, a cavoodle and a groodle.

Do you have any special training that has prepared you for your career?
Other than my fitness qualifications, I hold a double Diploma in Vocational Education and Training which is essential in a role such as mine. It was a very painful qualification to attain but has helped me so much when it comes to complying with all the government regulations.

Being active within the industry is also essential so you are able to understand the ever-changing landscape of fitness and the skills required to be current.

What’s the next skill or knowledge set you want to add to your repertoire to make you a better VET Manager?
Currently I am studying my Advanced Diploma of Leadership Management as well as the Diploma of Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring. The former will help me with the skills of leading a successful business commercially, and the latter with focusing on people and leading staff for better results.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to get involved in fitness education?
Complete your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment first (as well as your fitness qualifications of course!) Working in VET can be a structured and demanding environment so it’s not for everybody. Having said that, it’s incredibly satisfying seeing the results of the work – happier and more competent students, and more satisfied external stakeholders in the wider fitness industry.

Source: Jason | Andor From Australian Fitness

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